The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-05-19

pleasure at some future hour, mademOl-
selle?"
Desiree smiled and nodded, waved
her hand to Arnim, and the two gentle.
men went away.
The young girls eyes followed them
on the long path leading to the forest.
But it was not the tall figure of her
guardian that fixed her thoughtful
glance.
Aweek later at the close of a lesson,
Arnim detained his pupil for a mo-
ment.
II am delighted to hear from Mari
anne" he said, 'that you have become
a great help to her in every way. Per-
haps you may soon be called upon to
take her place"
''Is Marianne going to her brother?"
asked Desiree- 'She once told me
that she might"
No, she will perhaps marry. l
know some one who is tired of his
bachelor life, and wants a sensible
wife. Who knows how soon he may
take her from us?"
The young girl turned deadly pale.
"You do not believe" she began, then
stopped suddenly.
Il believe that betrothal will take
place before our eyes, and regard the
marriage as a very suitable one. Hill
mar as he wrote me. is done with
love- He wants sensible woman and
a good housewife. D."
Desiree did not answer, but the hand
which rested on the table, trembled.
Arnim saw this with mingled terror
and anger.
81 must really interfere in Mari
anne's behalf" he cried, excitedly.
ITO marry man like Hilmar is
prodigious venture. Fascinating men
who have been much worshipped by
women are not to be reckoned upon. If
accident throws in their way another
woman brilliant or gifted enough to in
terest them, woe to the poor wife
bound to them in marriage fetters!
Happily Marianne'fis an energetic, un-
sentimental nature. She will in any
event remain mistress of the situa-
ton"
"Does she love him?" asked Desiree,
softly.
81 do not know. She is very reticent.
But l am sure she would not refuse
him."
HAS he not yet asked her?"
mo, but he is likely to do so very
soon. His visit has nearly expired
'And Marianne suspects nothing of
this?'
81 think she must have understood
the special attentions Ussikow has paid
her."
"Then they will soon marry?"
''DoUbtless-for Ussikow must pass
the winter in the South, and needs
sensible companion. You may speedily
realize your wish to conduct your
uncle's household. But l wo,lld not
chain you here, my child. We would
travel and see the world. Where would
you like first to go?"
ITO my mothers grave" she whis-
pered, hid her face in her hands and.
sobbing, left the room.
They would all meet at supper in the
"garden room" Hilmar came home
late from his walk; the doctor fingered
in his study. Desiree was perfectly
possessed to help, although assured by
Marianne that there was nothing for
her to dot that in her present
state she would only hinder.
She dropped glass and broke it. 1t
seemed as if her hands could hold
firmly.
At last every thing was ready, and
the young girl seated herself at the
window opening on the veranda.
Marianne was in the kitchen, deliver
ing to the servants one of those lectures
that was apt to precede every meal.
Papillon's hands lay idle in her lap;
she gazed out into the star-lit darkness
of the summer night Light murmurs
broke the silence, heavy perfumes came
borne upon the air. Her thoughts,
as if waited by the breeze, fluttered
here and there. Again she heard the
voice which had said: "Are YOU not
now sheltered as in fathers house?"
Yes, Ussikow was right What could
she expect more? And yet she could
but reflect that this very man was
about founding himself a home
home with Marianne!
Life for her seemed to have no
joyous days in store. A longing,
such as she had never before expert
enced, come over her. She stretched
out her hands into the empty air and
cried: 20 mother, if l were but with
your
At table, Marianne bore the burden
of the entertainment; the others
seemed constrained. After supper
Arnim announced that virulent
typhus had broken out in the suburbs,
and that he had been summoned to a
consultation of physicians. which
would take place the next morning.
Dcsiree was silent under plea of head
ache, The gentlemen withdrew early.